Despite the successful implementation of the Response to Intervention (RtI) framework in many elementary schools, there is little evidence of successful implementation in high school settings. Several themes emerged from the interviews of nine secondary principals, including a lack of knowledge and training for successful implementation, the…

This study aims to give voice to public high school principals in Illinois as to their perceived views on the purpose of high school education and their perceptions of partnerships with businesses. Data from 105 distinct public high schools from 50 Illinois counties were analyzed. Findings reveal that principals view the purpose of high school…

This follow-up study presents findings from 11 structured interviews that were conducted with principals engaged in a conversion from a large comprehensive high school to six small schools. Key findings are (a) the greatest barrier to improvement was entrenched instructional patterns and (b) goals of college readiness and social/emotional…

This article is based on a qualitative study that explored whether race affects the nature of adult relationships in schools and, if so, how this affects professional development efforts focused on closing the achievement gap. Findings demonstrate that race does affect the adult relationships in schools, although this impact is different for…

Weick's theory of sensemaking is used to analyze findings from a qualitative study of the implementation of a district-initiated adolescent intervention literacy course in two urban secondary schools. The authors concluded that implementation of the literacy course was hampered because district administrators, building leaders, teachers, and…

If you've ever wondered what steps to take to institute individualized teaching-learning, here are the answers. The process is explored step-by-step in this conversational format. (Editor)

The transformation of a high school to a learning community is a slow and challenging process. This study tracked the efforts of teacher and administrative leaders from six high schools who worked to develop professional learning communities. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of interviews with school leaders revealed that the early days of…

If you have considered the pro's and con's of an extended secondary school year, this article may pique your interest anew. Its question and answer format gets to the heart of the issues involved. (Editor)

According to a study of 20 outstanding principals, administrators valued as instructional leaders value their role as staff developers, view their key function as facilitator, and are driven by a clear vision for the school. These principals view themselves as role models for continual growth, are self-assured, and open to change. (eight…

Summarizes a study that queried 140 South Carolina principals regarding their training needs, prior training activities, and recommendations for improvement. Participants' most important training needs involved curriculum design and instruction and the learning environment. Principals were most concerned about training time and location, activity…

Through teleconferencing, every school has the potential to dramatically improve the educational opportunities for its students at minimum cost. A telephone with an attached speaker allows an entire room to converse with experts in an author interview, informational conference, or professional enrichment conference. (Author/DCS)

Describes a study that examined block scheduling's effects on student and teacher performance and attitudes at a large Texas high school. While the 2-hour Algebra I block had a higher failure rate than the traditional 50-minute algebra class, the block classes were comprised of students who have traditionally struggled in mathematics. Maximizing…